stress less - tips for creating a positive travel and veterinary experience for pets

Stress Less

Leesburg Veterinary Hospital | 19463 James Monroe Hwy | Leesburg, VA 20175 | (703) 777-3313 | www.leesburgvet.com

L et’s face it. Many of our furry friends get super-stressed when it’s time to visit the vet. Get our tips for

helping your pet prepare for their veterinary visit (including that dreaded car ride!) and read about the

techniques our staff uses during exams to create a positive experience for pets.

BEFORE EXAM DAY

We highly recommend bringing puppies (and even kittens) to our practice as often as possible during their younger

months. Early positive experiences help build a foundation of trust and familiarity. For older pets, schedule a “fun

visit” without any type of examination or treatment - stop in just to say hi, get loved on with lots of cuddles, belly rubs,

and treats. This type of conditioning helps your pet think of the vet as a happy place, instead of where they’re taken to

be poked and prodded.

PREPARING TO TRAVEL WITH CATS

Make sure you have the right kind of carrier for your cat. A large carrier is sometimes the only way to go because it

can be impossible to squeeze your cat through a narrow door. Top-loading carriers are preferred to get your cat

comfortably inside, as well as at the vet for him or her to enter or exit. After your pet is comfortably inside and the

carrier is secure, you may want to lightly cover the top with a towel to allow for a shadier spot to hide.

Bring out your cat carrier well in advance of your scheduled appointment. For some, leaving the carrier out in the

open all the time has helped decrease carrier anxiety.

Place a comforting towel or blanket in the carrier and occasionally place a few of your pets’ favorite treats or food in

the carrier.

Add a small amount of Feliway pheromone spray or lavender oil to the bedding to provide a calmer environment

that is pleasant for your pet. If your cat loves Catnip, sprinkle a little in the carrier as well.

Check out this great link for getting your cat into a carrier: https://youtu.be/9RGY5oSKVfo

If all else fails, talk to us about calming medications to administer to your cat prior to the vet visit. We don’t want

your cat to miss out on his or her healthcare because of transporting fears and hassles.

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https://youtu.be/9RGY5oSKVfo

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PREPARING TO TRAVEL WITH DOGS

Withhold food for a few hours before your pet’s appointment so he or she comes to

the hospital hungry. When pets are stressed, they will often refuse treats. When

using positive reinforcements with treats, our hospital can aim to ensure a pleasant

experience each time your pet comes in. If your pet is on a specific diet or has a

favorite treat at home, please bring a few along for you and our staff to offer your pet.

Withholding food prior to your pet’s visit also helps decrease the likelihood of

nausea, car sickness, and abnormalities in lab values should your pet require blood

testing.

Prepare your vehicle prior to traveling with your pet. If you place your pet in a

specific area of the vehicle, make sure it is clean and comfortable for your pet when

he or she enters the car. If it is cold outside, ensure that your vehicle has been

warmed and is at a comfortable temperature similar to what your pet is used to.

Likewise, with hotter temperatures, allow your car to be at a cool and comfortable

climate.

DMV360 provides even more great advice for a mellow car ride in this video:

http://veterinaryteam.dvm360.com/make-car-rides-fun-fido

TRAVEL TIME!

For cats, always travel with a carrier, preferably with a top loading option for easy removal. Carry the carrier by the

bottom and sides. Using the top handle only can make for a swinging, uncomfortable experience for your cat.

While in the car, use calming, comforting words to help relax your pet. If your dog likes the windows down, crack

the window so your dog can safely feel the breeze.

ARRIVAL AT THE VET

If your pet becomes immediately anxious upon entering the doors, keep your pet in your climate controlled vehicle

while you check-in; this should help decrease waiting area anxiety. We will be happy to come out to your car when

the appointment is ready to begin.

Once in the waiting room, offer a treat or two to your pet so he or she trusts the food offered and begins to feel

comfortable.

Keep your pet close to you and away from other pets that may be fearful or aggressive. Our spacious lobby was

designed with large, walled bays to keep pets separated. For dogs, we highly recommend using a standard six foot

leash. If you use a retractable leash, please keep it locked at no longer than six feet in length.


http://veterinaryteam.dvm360.com/make-car-rides-fun-fido

Use positive reinforcement to communicate with your pet;

scolding your pet when he or she is already anxious can

increase the negative experience he or she is feeling.

Ask our trained staff for help if you feel like your pet would

benefit from a quiet room or a blanket to lie on.

DURING THE EXAM

Watch for queues that your pet is becoming fearful. Alert

our staff if you notice these signs before they do:

Clinging to you

Panting

Hiding

Swatting

To ensure a positive experience, our trained staff handles your pet with a calm approach. We attempt to get to

know them instead of forcing them to behave for us.

Some things you may see our veterinarians and staff do that contributes to a positive experience are (but not

limited to):

Using a towel or a blanket on the table sometimes smelling of lavender oil, Feliway pheromone spray,

or Adaptil spray, to create a comfortable and calming environment.

Changing needles prior to vaccinating your pet to provide a

smoother, less painful injection

Applying a “Thundershirt” to your pet to provide a secure feeling

during exam and procedures.

Asking to administer a mild sedative to your pet before the

experience becomes a negative one because of fear or anxiety.

Asking you to reschedule if your pet becomes over-anxious or fearful.

This may involve a recommendation of pre-medicating your pet with an

anti-anxiety medication before the next visit.

Remember, our staff is ready to work with you to provide the most positive veterinary experience possible for your pet!

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stress less - tips for creating a positive travel and veterinary experience for pets

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